FIRST minister Rhodri Morgan yesterday announced three high profile champions for Wales to promote the nation abroad.

They are Cardiff-born chairman and chief executive of the Sony Corporation Sir Howard Stringer; the president of Starbucks Coffee International Martin Coles and Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the British ambassador to the United Nations.

Mr Morgan said the champions would be asked to feature in news and publicity campaigns about Wales and to give speeches or host events promoting the country.

But their roles would fall short of promoting particular policies or supporting any political views.

Mr Morgan set a goal for more international recognition for Wales at the UN HQ in New York.

He spent three days in New York as part of an initiative to help Welsh exports and brands break into North American markets.